During August, eight cadets and two staff members from No.2 Overseas (Gibraltar) Squadron ATC travelled to RAF Halton in the UK to attend the annual Wing Summer Camp, joining cadets from multiple other squadrons across the Norfolk and Suffolk Wing. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

Highlights of the action-packed week included visits to RAF Hendon Museum and RAF  Trenchard, giving cadets a greater understanding of RAF history and heritage. Adventurous  training on the high ropes and low ropes courses challenged cadets to step out of their  comfort zones, building both confidence and teamwork. 

“The camp has been an amazing experience that allowed me to interact with other cadets  from our wing and put into practice skills that I have learned in Gibraltar”, said Sgt Anthony  Macedo. 

Cadets also gained insight into RAF operations during section visits such as the Medical  Training Centre, which highlighted the importance of specialist roles within the RAF. A  presentation from Space Command broadened cadets’ awareness of modern air and space  power, while instructors from the Recruit Training Squadron tested their discipline and  precision by taking cadets through foot drill and arms drill on the parade square. 

“The exercises gave me the confidence to put into practice what I’ve been taught” said Cpl  Jack Dela Rosa. 

During their week, the cadets travelled to RAF Wittering, where they had the unforgettable  opportunity to take part in an Air Experience Flight in the Grob Tutor, a versatile training  aircraft used for Elementary Flying Training, pilot grading, and flying instruction. For many,  this was their very first time in a light two-seater aircraft. Each cadet was able to take control  of the aircraft, putting into practice what they had learned on the squadron’s flight simulator,  while also experiencing aerobatics for the first time. This activity gave cadets a true taste of  aviation, sparking motivation and inspiring future aspirations. 

“Being up in the air made me realise why people want to become a pilot, I still can’t believe  that I got to fly a plane and how easy and freeing it was”, said Cdt Annie Underwood. 

The week concluded with an educational visit to Bletchley Park, delving into the incredible  story of the wartime codebreakers - which deepened the air cadets’ appreciation of the  critical role that intelligence, problem-solving, and innovation play in defence and security.

Cpl Stefan Duo said after the camp, “I really enjoyed staying on an actual RAF station eating  in the mess, learning what it’s like to live on a camp and seeing the basic training elements  of the RAF which I wish to join one day”